Divorce Professionals and Their Various Roles
- Lisa McNally
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Divorce can be overwhelming, not just emotionally, but logistically and financially as well. Assembling the right team of divorce professionals can make all the difference in achieving clarity, minimizing conflict, and reaching fair outcomes. Yet many people don’t understand the distinct roles of each divorce professional, how they complement each other, or how to choose the ones best suited for their unique situation.
As the founder of Optimal Divorce Solutions, I often work alongside or in coordination with attorneys, therapists, and other specialists. I hold multiple credentials—Certified Divorce Coach, Certified Divorce Mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), and I’m also a Licensed Real Estate Broker in New Hampshire and Maine. With this multifaceted expertise, I help clients navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and a solid strategy.
Let’s explore the various divorce professionals available to you—what they do, how they differ, and when each one can offer the most value.
Divorce Attorney
Role: Provides legal representation, advice, and advocacy in court.
What They Do:
File legal paperwork
Draft divorce agreements
Represent clients in court or mediation
Offer legal advice regarding rights and obligations
Limitations:
Focus is primarily legal, not emotional or financial planning
Can be expensive, especially if litigation escalates
When to Use:
High-conflict divorce
Disputes involving custody, support, or hidden assets
Enforcement of court orders
Divorce Mediator
Role: Neutral third-party professional who facilitates conversations and agreements between spouses.
What They Do:
Help couples reach mutually agreeable decisions
Facilitate respectful communication
Draft mediated divorce agreements for attorney review
Limitations:
Cannot provide individual legal advice
Success depends on both parties' willingness to cooperate
When to Use:
When seeking a more peaceful, cost-effective divorce process
When both parties want to avoid court
My Services: As a Certified Divorce Mediator, I guide couples through this process with structure and neutrality, helping them reach lasting agreements while avoiding unnecessary conflict.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about my Divorce Mediation services HERE
Certified Divorce Coach
Role: Emotional and strategic support for navigating the non-legal aspects of divorce.
What They Do:
Help clients prepare for mediation or court
Support decision-making
Set goals and action plans
Address emotional overwhelm and mindset
Limitations:
Cannot give legal or financial advice
When to Use:
At the beginning of divorce to reduce confusion and fear
When you need clarity, communication tools, and support
My Services: As a Certified Divorce Coach, I work 1:1 with clients to help them feel empowered, informed, and emotionally grounded throughout the entire divorce journey.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about my Divorce Coaching services HERE
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
Role: Provides financial expertise and clarity specific to divorce.
What They Do:
Analyze asset and debt division scenarios
Evaluate tax implications
Create post-divorce budgets and financial plans
Project long-term outcomes of settlement options
Limitations:
Not a substitute for legal advice
When to Use:
Complex assets such as retirement accounts, stock options, or businesses
Concerns about long-term financial security post-divorce
My Services: With years of financial expertise and my CDFA® credential, I help clients understand the real-world impact of their settlement options, so they don’t leave money or stability on the table. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about my CDFA services HERE
Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE)
Role: Specializes in the valuation, listing, and sale of real estate during divorce.
What They Do:
Provide neutral property valuations
Help both parties understand real estate options
Coordinate with attorneys and mediators
Manage the sale or refinance of the marital home
Limitations:
Focused only on real estate matters
When to Use:
When real estate is a major marital asset
When one party wants to keep the home or both want to sell
My Services: As a CDRE and Luxury Property Specialist, I help divorcing clients evaluate, manage, and sell their real estate strategically and fairly—without emotional or financial missteps.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about my CDFA services HERE
Therapist or Counselor
Role: Provides emotional and mental health support.
What They Do:
Help individuals and children process grief, stress, and trauma
Improve emotional regulation and coping
Address past trauma or long-standing patterns
Limitations:
Do not offer legal or financial advice
When to Use:
Throughout the divorce process
When emotional healing is a priority
Building Your Divorce Team Strategically
The most effective divorce outcomes happen when you build a team that works together—not in silos. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I frequently collaborate with your attorney, accountant, or therapist to make sure you're getting comprehensive support across all fronts.
You don’t need to go it alone—and you certainly don’t need to pay an attorney to do what other specialized professionals can do more effectively and affordably. The key is to use the right expert at the right time.
Key Takeaways
Divorce professionals play very different roles—legal, financial, emotional, and logistical
A divorce attorney is essential for legal matters, but not for every task
Mediation and coaching can save time, money, and stress
Financial clarity is essential, especially in high-asset or gray divorce
The right real estate expert matters when the home is involved
I hold credentials across four major areas: mediation, coaching, finance, and real estate
A coordinated team approach leads to the most successful outcomes
If you're unsure which professionals you need or when to involve them, let’s talk. I offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you get clear, get grounded, and take the next right step. You can schedule time with me here: www.LisasCalendar.com
Lisa McNally
Certified Divorce Coach | Certified Divorce Mediator
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) | Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE)
Licensed Real Estate Broker (NH & ME)
Founder, Optimal Divorce Solutions
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